The officer having such prisoner in charge shall protect him from insult and annoyance and communication with others while at labor, and in going to and returning from the same, and he may use such means as are necessary and proper therefor, and any person persisting in insulting and annoying or communicating with any prisoner after being first commanded by such officer to desist shall be punished by a fine not exceeding Ten Dollars ($10.00) or by imprisonment not exceeding three (3) days.
R.L. 1910, § 4613.